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Journal Article 2011; 32(5): 697-703 PubMed PMID: 22167129 Citation  Keywords:  Adolescent, Adrenal Glands:physiology, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone:blood, Anorexia Nervosa:metabolism, Child, Endocrine System:physiology, Estradiol:blood, Female, Follicle Stimulating Hormone:blood, Hormones:blood, Humans, Hydrocortisone:blood, Hypothala.   

OBJECTIVES: Thyroid, adrenal glands and gonadal hormones play a role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis of the body via the receptors located in the adipose tissue. The correlations between serum resistin (RES) and function of other hormonal axes in patients with AN have not been established, yet. Therefore, the aim of this study is: 1) assessment of concentrations of thyroid hormones (FT4, TSH), adrenal hormones (ACTH, cortisol), sex hormones (LH, FSH, estradiol, testosterone); 2) establishing their relationship with BMI and 3) analysis of correlations between examined hormones and RES serum concentrations in adolescent female patients with AN.

DESIGN AND SETTING: Serum RES (ELISA) and fT4, TSH, ACTH, LH, FSH, estradiol and testosterone (ECLIA) concentrations have been assayed in 195 adolescent girls: 87 with restrictive AN, 17 with not otherwise specified eating disorders (NOS), 30 with simple obesity (OB) and 61 healthy (H) subjects.

RESULTS: Mean serum FT4, LH and estradiol concentrations were significantly lower (p=0.015; p<0.0001; p<0.0001, respectively) in AN than in OB group, and cortisol increased (p<0.001) compared to OB and H subjects. In all examined subjects BMI correlated positively (p<0.0001) with LH (r=0.61) and estradiol (r=0.30), and negatively with cortisol (r=-0.35; p=0.008). Also the significant positive relationship between serum RES and FT4 (r=0.34), LH (r=0.57) as well as estradiol (r=0.28) was observed, whereas serum cortisol correlated negatively with RES (r=-0.40).

CONCLUSION: Changes in resistin serum concentrations in eating disorders may be involved in the altered regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, thyroid and gonadal axes....

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Case Reports 2011; 32(5): 616-618 PubMed PMID: 22167128 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Amenorrhea:blood, Appetite Depressants:adverse effects, Cyclobutanes:adverse effects, Diagnosis, Differential, Female, Galactorrhea:blood, Humans, Hyperprolactinemia:blood, Prolactin:blood, Weight Gain:drug effects,.   

INTRODUCTION: Several drugs may cause hyperprolactinemia, especially antipsychotic drugs and prokynetic drugs. Serum prolactin concentrations increase within hours after acute administration of these drugs and return to normal within two to four days after cessation of chronic therapy. So far, sibutramine, a sympathomimetic drug used in the management of obesity, was not described to be associated with altered prolactin levels.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to present a case of sibutramine-induced hiperprolactinemia.

CASE REPORT: A 38-year-old white female patient seeks medical attention complaining of weight gain (Body mass index: 35) associated with anxiety. She started sibutramine treatment and presented with amenogalactorrhea. Hyperprolactinemia was diagnosed (prolactin of 46 and 89.6 ng/mL) with normal thyroid, renal and hepatic function, and a negative pregnancy test. A sella MRI was performed and sibutramine was suspended. Prolactin levels returned to normal within 15 days of sibutramine cessation and remained normal within 90 days of follow-up, with resolution of the amenogalactorrhea syndrome.

CONCLUSION: sibutramine may be considered in differential diagnosis of drug-induced hyperprolactinemia....

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Journal Article 2011; 32(Suppl 2): 64-67 PubMed PMID: 22101886 Citation  Keywords:  Anthropometry, Body Weight:drug effects, C-Reactive Protein:analysis, Child, Cross-Over Studies, Docosahexaenoic Acids:pharmacology, Fatty Acids, Omega-3:therapeutic use, Female, Humans, Lipid Metabolism:drug effects, Lipids:blood, Male, Obesity:diet ther.   

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine whether increased intake of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) would affect the weight loss or the various biochemical parameters in the blood of obese children following dietary/physical intervention. There were 120 obese (BMIs≥30 kg/m(2); mean 33.5 ± 3.9) children included in this randomized crossover study; aged 8-12 years (10.0 ± 1.9).

METHODS: The children consumed an extra 300 mg DHA and 42 mg EPA (Haliborange ®) daily for a period of 3 weeks. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured and documented for each of the subjects at the beginning of the study, after three weeks of treatment and at the end of the study.

RESULTS: The daily consumption of 300 mg DHA and 42 mg of EPA was associated with decreased body weight (with DHA: 86.4 ± 19.6 to 80.8 ± 20.4 kg vs. without DHA: 85.6 ± 20.8 to 80.9 ± 19.9 kg; p<0.005) and total cholesterol concentration (with DHA: 3.72 ± 0.78 to 3.32 ± 0.53 mmol/l vs. without DHA: 3.74 ± 0.78 to 3.56 ± 0.56 mmol/l; p<0.05 and respectively with DHA).

CONCLUSION: Daily consumption of 300 mg DHA and 42 mg EPA (Haliborange®) for 3 weeks leads to an improvement of the anthropometric and lipid parameters in obese children following dietary physical intervention....

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Journal Article 2011; 32(Suppl 2): 60-63 PubMed PMID: 22101885 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Aged, Anthropometry, Atherosclerosis:complications, Blood Glucose:metabolism, Blood Pressure:physiology, Cardiovascular Diseases:complications, Cholesterol, LDL:blood, Dyslipidemias:complications, Erectile Dysfunction:complications, Hemoglobin A, G.   

OBJECTIVES: Vascular erectile dysfunction (ED) predicts future development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We performed a study in men seeking consultant medical advice regarding vascular ED for the first time without a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus or renal insufficiency. Our goal was to evaluate the prevalence of CVD risk factors in this cohort of patients. Furthermore, we assessed the prevalence of asymptomatic subclinical atherosclerosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: All study subjects underwent a thorough physical examination including anthropometric measurements. Laboratory analyses comprising assessment of lipid spectrum, liver and kidney function tests, glycaemia and glycated haemoglobin were measured using automated analysers. Intima-media thickness of carotid arteries was measured using SONOS machine and ankle-brachial index using a mini-duplex device. CVD risk was calculated by standard SCORE charts. Chi-square test, t-test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: We examined 35 men, average age 46.5 ± 9.9 years. Six (17.1%) had a positive family history of CVD, 19 (54.3%) had dyslipidemia, 10 (28.6%) were obese, 9 (25.7%) were active smokers, and 14 (40.0%) had arterial hypertension. Eighteen (51.4%) subjects had subclinical atherosclerosis as determined by ABI and CIMT assessment.

CONCLUSION: Patients with vascular erectile dysfunction have similar prevalence of CVD risk factors to general population....

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Journal Article 2011; 32(Suppl 2): 55-59 PubMed PMID: 22101884 Citation  Keywords:  Adiposity:physiology, Adolescent, Anthropometry, Atherosclerosis:epidemiology, Body Mass Index, Body Weight:physiology, Cardiovascular Diseases:epidemiology, Child, Energy Intake, Female, Humans, Life Style, Lipids:blood, Male, Metabolic Diseases:epidemio.   

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is associated with increased inflammation which represents a link to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an independent marker of inflammation and atherosclerosis risk. To assess the impact of weight loss on metabolic markers of atherosclerosis including Lp-PLA2 we examined a group of Czech non-diabetic obese/overweight children exposed to a lifestyle intervention.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourty unrelated overweight/obese non-diabetic Czech children (13.7 ± 2.1 years, average BMI at baseline 29.8 ± 2.6 kg/m2) underwent 4 weeks of lifestyle modification (reduction of energy intake to age matched optimum and supervised physical activity). Anthropometrical and biochemical variables were determined at baseline and after the intervention. Lp-PLA2 mass concentration was assessed using the ELISA kit. Wilcocson's rank test and Spearman's correlation were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: A significant decrease of BMI and waist circumference was associated with significant changes of plasma lipoprotein and glycaemia levels. Mass concentration of Lp-PLA2 at the baseline was 402 ± 94 μg/ml, after the intervention 368 ± 105 μg/ml (p=0.008). Change in Lp-PLA2 was associated with triglyceride level decrease (p=0.009).

CONCLUSION: Intensive lifestyle modification leading to body weight decrease results in significant changes of plasma lipoprotein levels and, also, a drop of Lp-PLA2 levels in paediatric obese patients. However, even after the intervention Lp-PLA2 concentrations in this patient group remain elevated suggesting possible increased atherosclerosis risk in later life....

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Journal Article 2011; 32(Suppl 2): 51-54 PubMed PMID: 22101883 Citation  Keywords:  Aged:physiology, Aged, 80 and over, Apolipoprotein E2:genetics, Apolipoprotein E3:genetics, Apolipoprotein E4:genetics, Apolipoproteins E:genetics, Female, Genetic Fitness:genetics, Heterozygote, Humans, Life Expectancy, Logistic Models, Longevity:genetic.   

OBJECTIVES: Life expectancy is determined by a combination of genetic predisposition (~25%) and environmental influences (~75%). Nevertheless a stronger genetic influence is anticipated in long-living individuals. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene belongs among the most studied candidate genes of longevity. We evaluated the relation of APOE polymorphism and fitness status in the elderly.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined a total number of 128 subjects, over 80 years of age. Using a battery of functional tests their fitness status was assessed and the subjects were stratified into 5 functional categories according to Spirduso´s classification. Biochemistry analysis was performed by enzymatic method using automated analyzers. APOE gene polymorphism was analysed performed using PCR-RFLP.

RESULTS: APOE4 allele carriers had significantly worse fitness status compared to non-carriers (p=0.025). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed the APOE4 carriers had higher risk (p=0.05) of functional unfitness compared to APOE2/E3 individuals.

CONCLUSIONS: APOE gene polymorphism seems be an important genetic contributor to frailty development in the elderly. While APOE2 carriers tend to remain functionally fit till higher age, the functional status of APOE4 carriers deteriorates more rapidly....

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Journal Article 2011; 32(Suppl 2): 41-50 PubMed PMID: 22101882 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Cell Separation, Cell Survival:drug effects, Culture Media, DNA, Complementary:biosynthesis, Dioxoles:pharmacology, Fatty Acids:metabolism, Gene Expression:drug effects, Genistein:pharmacology, Hepatocytes:drug effects, In Vitro Techniques, Indic.   

OBJECTIVES: Effects of bioactive compounds on expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and fatty acid composition were investigated in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) primary hepatocytes.

METHODS: Five treatments were investigated: I) genistein 0.005 mM, II) genistein 0.025 mM, III) lipoic acid 0.2 mM, IV) sesamin/episesamin 0.05 mM, V) sesamin 0.05 mM and compared to controls. The relative expression of genes involved in lipid homeostasis was analysed after 12h and 48h.

RESULTS: Incubation with lipoic acid, sesamin and episesamin/sesamin for 48h had significant effect on all analysed genes involved in lipid uptake, β-oxidation, elongation and desaturation, some effects were detected on the expression of peroxisome prolifertor-activated receptor (PPARs). Also effects on the fatty acid composition were found.

CONCLUSION: The strongest effect of bioactive copounds on hepatocyte gene expression was detected after 48 hours....

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Journal Article 2011; 32(Suppl 2): 32-36 PubMed PMID: 22101880 Citation  Keywords:  Adiposity:genetics, Adult, Aged, Body Composition:physiology, Body Mass Index, Energy Intake, Exercise, Female, Genetic Variation:genetics, Genotype, Heterozygote, Humans, Insulin Resistance:genetics, Life Style, Metabolic Clearance Rate:physiology, Middl.   

OBJECTIVES: The AHSG (alpha2 Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein) gene is suggested to be important for the regulation of body fat and insulin sensitivity. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between the common Thr248Met (rs4917) variant and obesity characteristics after an intervention with overweight females.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 105 unrelated overweight/obese nondiabetic Czech adult females (49.0 ± 12.1 years, BMI over 28.6 kg/m2, mean BMI before intervention 32.8 ± 4.1 kg/m2) before and after 10 weeks of lifestyle modification. Biochemical and anthropometrical measurements were performed. The life style modification program consisted of a reduction of energy intake to an age-adjusted optimum and an exercise program (four units per week). The mean weight loss was 3.2 ± 3.5 kg (3.7 ± 4.0%).

RESULTS: Thr/Thr homozygotes (N=52) increased lean muscle mass (p<0.05), decreased total body fat (kg) (p<0.005) and increased basal metabolic rate (BMR) per 1 kg body weight (p<0.005) in comparison with the Met carriers (N=52), but an association between BMI decrease and AHSG variants was not found.

CONCLUSION: AHSG gene variants modify the effect of physical activity on BMR. Carriers of the Thr248Thr genotype showed a higher benefit from the lifestyle intervention (expressed as changes in body fat, active muscle and basal metabolic rate)....

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